The public library as a tax supported institution in Faribault, Minnesota, dates from 1897, when it was housed in the City Hall building. Mrs. Anna Buckham gave the Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library building to the City of Faribault in memory of her husband. The cornerstone was laid in September of 1929, and dedication of the building took place on July 20, 1930.

Architecture

The library's architecture is centralized around Greek themes. This was because Mr. Buckham was an avid reader and scholar of Greek literature. A Greek window made by Charles Connick of Boston and on the facade of the original building. Additionally, a Greek mural depicting scenes from Athens, Sparta, Delphi, and Olympia can be found on the second floor. The mural was painted by Alfred J. Hyslop.